Major incident portal launched as PSNI probes attempted murder of female officer
Detectives from the Police Service of Northern Ireland’s (PSNI) Terrorism Investigation Unit have today launched the Major Incident Public Portal as part of their investigation into the attempted murder of a female member of police staff, who is also a part-time police officer.
Detective Superintendent Richard Campbell said: “We are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the viable device which was discovered beside the young mother’s car in Ballyquin Road, Dungiven on Monday (April 19).
“The device, which had explosives attached to a container with flammable liquid, was designed to cause a fireball which would have engulfed the victim’s car and anyone in it or anyone close by, or those calling to the house.
“What is really distressing is the terrorists placed the bomb at the rear of the car directly at the point where the victim’s three-year-old daughter sits. It demonstrates the complete and utter disregard those who planted it had for the life of a mother and her very young daughter. This was a cowardly and despicable act carried out by desperate people. They deserve no support from any part of our community.”
He added: “While the investigation is at an early stage and detectives are keeping an open mind, we are aware that a claim has been made on behalf of the new IRA and this is a strong line of inquiry for us.
“I appeal to anyone who has any knowledge of this attack, or indeed of anyone involved in dissident republican, or other violent or terrorist, activity to come forward and provide any information they have to the police. We all need to work together to bring those responsible for attempting to kill a three-year-old child and her mother to justice.”
The portal can be found at: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/PSNI21Q07-PO1
